Chapter 200: Red Horned Power Armor
Regarding the pilots, Joric's core principle was sufficiently clear: no invasive neural interface surgery would be required.
Instead, the key lay in the pilot establishing an effective synchronization and coordination relationship with the "Machine Spirit" built into the power armor.
"The design of the synchronization process must be 'gentle' enough, old friend." When finalizing the neural interface protocols, Joric specifically emphasized to the Servo-skull, "We need to create a sense of immersion and connection similar to the inheritance rituals of Imperial Knights, allowing the pilot to feel the pulse of the Machine Spirit and work in unison with it.
"But the entire process must be far less violent and dangerous. We do not need the pilot to endure the psychic impact of fragmented consciousnesses from past generations. That would only bring unnecessary risks and meaningless non-combat attrition."
Nevertheless, to maximize the potential of human-machine integration, Joric prepared a progressive pilot enhancement plan.
He turned to the Servo-skull and explained, "Old friend, we need to differentiate our approach. For ordinary mortal pilots, a non-invasive solution—motor nerve reflex assistance and augmented reality interface implants—will suffice.
"But for our Skitarii who have already undergone systematic augmentation..."
Joric pulled up the standard cybernetic augmentation list for the Skitarii.
"Their bodies are already equipped with comprehensive mechanical interfaces. It would be a waste not to fully utilize these ready-made neural ports and data transmission systems."
He designed a deep neural direct link protocol for the Skitarii pilots.
This would not only feed the power armor's sensor data streams directly into their processing centers but also allow the Skitarii warriors to manipulate the machine with their enhanced neural signals more rapidly and precisely, achieving reaction speeds approaching instinct.
"This deep connection scheme," Joric marked clearly in the internal directive, "will be prioritized for equipping my direct Skitarii unit. This is not only a further enhancement of their combat capabilities but also a reasonable upgrade based on their existing augmentation foundation.
"Better equipment means higher survival rates and stronger combat power, which benefits us all."
With the overall design completed, Joric began the work of manufacturing the prototype.
"Old friend, time to get to work," he said to the Servo-skull while decomposing the design blueprints. "Ceramite armor, main structural frame, plasma reactor, hydraulic transmission systems, and electro-muscle bundles...
"These core components cannot be produced in this world. Better to send them back to the Warhammer world and give my group of apprentices something to do."
He immediately sent the design blueprints for these critical parts to the main control system of the Death World base via the data interface, attaching clear instructions: "To the Relic Base Apprentice Group: Manufacture the listed components in accordance with the attached technical blueprints and specifications. Priority: High.
"Inspection standards must strictly comply with the data manifest requirements. This serves as a practical assessment."
He could almost imagine the flurry of activity and high spirits of those twenty-three young "Adjusters" in the Apprentice Group upon receiving this direct order from "Lord Sage."
To be released from daily maintenance and theoretical study to personally manufacture such complex devices was a precious opportunity, as well as a severe test.
Only then did he turn his gaze to local production resources.
"As for some non-core auxiliary parts," Joric instructed the Servo-skull, "package the blueprints for internal wiring harnesses, standard interfaces, and non-load-bearing cover plates for the external armor, and send them to Militech.
"Tell them we need a sample set. The high-quality craftsmanship and materials they can provide will suffice."
"Command confirmed. Filtering non-core component blueprints. Data packaging and encryption complete. Establishing secure link with Militech logistics channel. Transmission commencing," the Servo-skull responded, its eye beams projecting a new data transmission progress bar.
Finally, Joric turned to the dimension teleporter running steadily in the depths of the workshop. "As for the shield generator core, and the most important 'Machine Spirit' carrier..." His crimson optical lenses looked toward the twisted blue light, his voice carrying prudent consideration. "Knowledge of such power is, I fear, still too early for this current world."
In the days that followed, Joric advanced several tasks simultaneously: he monitored the situation on the front lines, analyzing the live combat data sent back by the "Vargr" kits and "Ripper" chainswords, while waiting for the two batches of components to arrive.
Militech demonstrated their efficient industrial capabilities.
Although their engineers didn't quite understand certain design standards—particularly the design philosophy that didn't deliberately pursue lightweight construction but instead focused on structural strength and environmental adaptability—they still completed the fabrication of all outsourced parts within a week and delivered them to the Badlands manufactorum through secret channels.
These parts were well-made and fully met the requirements.
On the other side, the apprentices at the Death World base took more time.
During this period, Joric received several technical inquiries regarding material processing and energy circuit stabilization.
He didn't give the answers directly but directed them to check technical manuals and standard procedures themselves.
Finally, when the matte ceramite armor, the smoothly running plasma reactor, and the exquisite shield components arrived via the teleporter, Joric inspected them and found that while the apprentices' work showed some signs of inexperience, it fully met the standards.
There were even some of their own little thoughtful touches on some unimportant details.
With all parts present, Joric began the final assembly of the prototype.
His massive body stood in the spacious work area. Several dexterous mechadendrites extended precisely from behind his back and under his robes, like precision tools possessing independent wills.
The assembly strictly followed logical order.
First, the sturdy linear frame from the Death World was hoisted into place, serving as the skeleton of the entire machine.
Next, the complex hydraulic transmission system and bundles of electro-muscles were embedded one by one into the frame's reserved slots and secured.
Then, the auxiliary parts from Militech were efficiently integrated to connect and encase these core components.
The most critical power and protection systems were left for last.
The Sentinel-class plasma reactor was carefully embedded into the core of the torso, followed by multiple layers of ceramite armor plates riveted onto key areas.
Finally, the structurally precise shield generator was installed above the reactor and docked with the main power source.
Throughout the process, Joric's crimson optical lenses steadily scanned every component, sensors monitoring torque, sealing, and circuit connectivity in real-time.
There were no superfluous movements, only the hum of mechadendrites operating steadily, the dull thud of metal components combining, and the rhythmic sounds of tools.
After hours of continuous work, all systems were preliminarily integrated.
A few days later, a four-meter-tall power armor stood quietly in the center of the workshop.
A ceramite shell, deliberately painted dark red, encased its sturdy body. The lines were simple and powerful.
On the main monitor of its head, Joric had, with a bit of wicked humor, added a single horn, even though it was technically a communications antenna.
The plasma reactor on its back emitted a low hum, indicating ample power reserves. The weapon ports at the ends of its arms were empty, ready to mount various armaments at any time.
Although it stood there motionless, a breathtaking sense of oppression radiated from its stillness.
(Note: Power armor vs. pilot size comparison is based on the Saturnine pattern, but don't treat it as actual Saturnine, just similar dimensions.)
(End of Chapter)